Pick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off Date
4.67/5
Based on 1,300+ reviews
Excellent
Trustpilot
Sacramento
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Sacramento
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Sacramento
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Sacramento
Intermediate
Skoda Octavia or similar
5
4
5
A/C
Auto
€ 39
per day
The average cost of car hire is €34 per day, with 1,878 vehicles available and an average hire duration of 6 days.
Sacramento, the capital of California, offers a blend of history, culture, and outdoor adventures. While public transport is available, hiring a car gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace. Discover hidden gems and experience all that Sacramento and its surroundings have to offer.
Explore Beyond the City. With a hire car, you can easily visit nearby attractions like the historic Old Sacramento, the California State Railroad Museum, and the beautiful American River Parkway.
Convenience and Comfort. A hire car provides the convenience of travelling on your own schedule, without being tied to public transport schedules or ride-sharing availability. Enjoy the comfort of your own vehicle, especially when travelling with family or luggage.
Access to Outdoor Activities. Sacramento is a gateway to outdoor adventures. Drive to nearby hiking trails, wineries in the surrounding valleys, or scenic spots along the Sacramento River.
Before hiring a car in Sacramento, understand the key terms and conditions to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience. Be aware of age restrictions, licence requirements, insurance options, and fuel policies.
Area
Approximately 100 square miles
Population
Around 525,000 residents
Time Zone
Pacific Standard Time (PST)
Ideal for
Exploring the Sacramento region
Rush Hours
Expect heavy traffic 7 AM – 9 AM and 4 PM – 6 PM
Rating
4.8/5
1. Age RequirementsMost rental companies in Sacramento require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Drivers under 25 may be subject to a young driver surcharge.
2. Driver’s Licence & DocumentationA valid driver’s licence is required. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their licence is not in English.
3. Insurance & DepositsStandard rentals include basic insurance. Additional coverage options like Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and Supplemental Liability Insurance (SLI) are available. A security deposit is typically required and held on a credit card.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyMileage policies vary; some rentals offer unlimited mileage, while others have restrictions. Fuel policies also differ, with many requiring you to return the car with a full tank.
5. Additional FeesExtra charges may apply for additional drivers, one-way rentals, late returns, or optional add-ons like GPS and child seats.
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £35 / $44 / €42 per day
Electric:
from £17 / $21 / €20 per day
Classic:
from £9 / $11 / €10 per day
Executive:
from £26 / $33 / €31 per day
7 Seater:
from £29 / $37 / €35 per day
Automatic:
from £17 / $21 / €20 per day
SUV:
from £9 / $11 / €10 per day
Peak season (June to August): Expect prices to increase by 20-30% due to higher demand.
Low season (November to February): Often offers discounts and lower rates.
Additional costs may apply for insurance, extra drivers, and one-way rentals. Booking early and comparing offers can help secure the best deal.
To book a car in Sacramento, compare prices, choose the right car, and review rental terms. Booking early is key for the best rates. Remember your licence, credit card, and ID when picking up your vehicle.
1. Compare Prices - Use comparison websites to find the best deals based on your travel dates and vehicle preferences.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your needs, whether it's an economy car for city driving or an SUV for outdoor adventures.
3. Check Rental Terms - Review mileage limits, insurance coverage, and deposit requirements to avoid surprises.
4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices and better vehicle availability by booking early, especially during peak seasons.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s licence, credit card, and identification when collecting your rental.
Sacramento is a city that blends historical charm with modern amenities. Driving is a convenient way to explore, but understanding local traffic rules and parking regulations is essential.
Sacramento, the capital of California, is a vibrant city with a rich history and diverse attractions. Hiring a car allows you to easily explore Sacramento and its surrounding areas, from Old Sacramento to the scenic American River Parkway. While Sacramento has public transport, a car provides the flexibility to visit attractions outside the city centre. Be aware of traffic conditions, parking availability, and fuel station locations to ensure a smooth and enjoyable driving experience.
Top Attractions to Discover
Old Sacramento
A historic district with cobblestone streets and Gold Rush-era buildings.
California State Railroad Museum
Explore the history of railroads in California.
American River Parkway
A scenic parkway offering hiking, biking, and water activities.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Use parking garages in downtown Sacramento for secure parking.
On-Street Parking
Metered on-street parking is available, but be mindful of time limits.
Park & Ride
Consider park-and-ride options on the outskirts of the city to avoid downtown traffic.
Gas Stations in Sacramento
Major Brands Available
Find gas stations from major brands like Chevron, Shell, and ARCO.
Convenient Locations
Gas stations are readily available throughout Sacramento and its suburbs.
Plan Ahead
Refuel before heading out for day trips to ensure you have enough fuel.
Useful Tips for Visiting Sacramento
Use Navigation Apps
Use apps like Google Maps or Waze to navigate traffic and find the best routes.
Watch for Pedestrians and Cyclists
Be aware of pedestrians and cyclists, especially in downtown areas.
Plan for Traffic Delays
Avoid driving during peak rush hours to minimise traffic delays.
Check Local Events
Be aware of events that may impact traffic and parking.
Major Bus Stations
Sacramento Valley Station
Serves as a major hub for regional bus services.
Railway Stations
Sacramento Valley Station
Amtrak station providing rail connections to various destinations.
Airports
Sacramento International Airport (SMF)
The primary airport serving the Sacramento region, located about 12 miles northwest of downtown Sacramento.
Hiring a car in Sacramento requires a few key items to ensure a smooth process. Make sure you have these documents ready when you pick up your rental.
A valid driver’s licence is required. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their licence is not in English.
Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Drivers under 25 may be subject to a young driver surcharge.
A valid credit or debit card in the main driver’s name is needed for the security deposit.
A passport or other form of identification may be required for international renters.
This content was written, fact-checked, and/or translated by our expert team of content creators.
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This page was edited, fact-checked, and/or translated by our experts who are passionate about helping travellers experience the world by car. Our team of seasoned travel writers and editors has driven across more than 50 countries, hired cars on six continents, and explored countless scenic routes — from Icelandic fjords to Moroccan deserts.
Our clients rate such place as Sacramento as
To ensure every review is from a real customer, we do not allow reviews to be posted directly on this page. Instead, we invite every customer to leave a review after they have returned their hire car. This way, you can be sure that all reviews are authentic.
Heard great things about Sacramento, and they were right! Exploring with a rental car was so easy and convenient. Loved it!
Amelia Jones
Reviewed: 06.11.2024
So glad I returned to Sacramento! Getting around with a car was a breeze.
David Lee
Reviewed: 15.10.2024
Pretty chill vibe.
Chris Evans
Reviewed: 28.10.2024
Sacramento surprised! Renting a car was a lifesaver, though the midtown coffee scene was underwhelming.
Jessica Garcia
Reviewed: 22.11.2024
Back in Sacramento after ages! Exploring was fun, though the zoo felt a little dated.
Evelyn Reed
Reviewed: 17.08.2025
Sacramento exceeded expectations! Exploring was a breeze, though the state fair was underwhelming.
Michael Davis
Reviewed: 20.03.2025
Fantastic Sacramento visit! Easy to get around; highly recommend.
Katherine Johnson
Reviewed: 10.10.2024
Sacramento felt so familiar, yet fresh! Having a car made exploring so much easier after all these years.
Thomas Wilson
Reviewed: 09.06.2025
Low-key enjoyable trip
Benjamin Harris
Reviewed: 24.12.2024
Sacramento charmed me! Having a car made exploring its diverse neighborhoods so effortless.
Olivia Rodriguez
Reviewed: 22.08.2024
Enjoyed our Sacramento detour. The city's vibe was pleasant, though the history museum felt a bit underwhelming.
Ava Garcia
Reviewed: 13.07.2025
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Sacramento was a quick stop on our road trip. The Old Sacramento area was charming, although the riverfront was a bit underwhelming.
Sarah Miller
Reviewed: 09.05.2025